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Annunciation/Evangelismos Church, Elkins Park, PA
Publish Date: 2022-04-17
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Annunciation/Evangelismos Church, Elkins Park, PA

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (215) 635-0316
  • Fax:
  • (215) 635-8301
  • Street Address:

  • 7921 Old York Road

  • Elkins Park, PA 19027


Contact Information




Services Schedule

We meet for divine worship every Sunday morning and on holy days starting with Orthros (Matins) at 8:30, Divine Liturgy at 9:30-11 AM.

Visit us at www.anngoc.org for information on how to attend church services during the COVIT-19 Pandemic.


Past Bulletins


Weekend Update

COVID & Church Attendance

  • Following the Montgomery County health department recommendations, wearing a mask is now optional for divine liturgy and all church activities.
  • For those unable to attend in person, install the GOA Ages Initiatives App on your phone or tablet to see the text and pray with us through our Facebook Livestream.
  • Let us know if you would like for us to light a votive candle for you here

 

Lazarus Saturday, April 16, 2022

  • 8:30 MATINS, 9:30 DIVINE LITURGY.
  • The Philoptochos Altar Guild will clean and decorate the Church proper for Palm Sunday after the Divine Liturgy. Any help is appreciated!

Palm Sunday, April 17, 2022
Κυριακὴ τῶν Βαΐων, 17 Απριλίου, 2022. Το κήρυγμα εδώ

  • 8:30 MATINS, 9:30 DIVINE LITURGY.
  • Catechism School classes follow Holy Communion.
  • Our Parish Council invites all to a luncheon after the liturgy.
  • PTO tsoureki sale pickup.
  • 7 pm ORTHROS OF GREAT MONDAY “Behold, the Bridegroom is coming...”

Click here for the Holy Week Schedule including Family & Youth Oriented Activities

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Youth Activities and News

Sunday School News

This Week's Children's Word from OCN

Holy Friday, April 22 Youth Retreat. We encourage all children ages 6-12 to join us in prayer, learning, and fun. We are also looking for volunteers to help run the event. If you have any questions or would like to help, contact Jacinda (catechism@anngoc.org) or Debbie (hopejoy@anngoc.org).


GOYA Activities

Sights and Sounds took place on April 9, and our GOYAns did a fantastic job representing our parish. We might be a small group compared to the other churches, but we were fierce!

In the sights categories, which include essays, poems, and a plethora of arts and crafts, our GOYAns placed in the following: 1st place, Alexandra McNally, and 2nd place, Elena Giannoumis, in poetry-Sr. Division; 2nd place in cake decorating, Efianna Giannoumis -Jr. Division; 2nd place in crochet, Kyra Cardenas-Jr. Division; 3rd place in B&W photography, Kyra Cardenas-Jr. Division; 2nd place in woodwork functional, Michael Johns - Sr. division;  2nd place for string art, Elena GIannoumis - Sr. Division; and 1st place in pencil drawing, Thalia Siokos - Jr. division.

In the performances that took place, Annunciation came in second place for coral speaking, second place in small group Greek folk dance, and third place in the American group dance. Two of our GOYAns competed in solo performances - Mark Papakirk for cello (1st place) and piano (2nd place) and Alexandra McNally for oral interpretation (2nd place).

Congratulations to all of you!!!!

Although there were many highlights that day, the one that stood out the most happened after their group song. Bishop Apostolos was in the audience, and he ran over to meet with our kids as they were walking off stage to praise them on the message of their song and take a picture. As one GOYAn put it, "it didn't matter that we didn't place for the song. The bishop came up to us to say all those nice things meant so much more than the prize."

Overall, this day brought an abundance of joy to the families and participants. We pray that we have even more GOYAns participate next year to show their God-given talents! Thank you to Yianna Franchetti for your guidance and all your work with our children. A special shout-out goes to our one and only senior, Anna Nanos! We love you and will miss you, but maybe you can come back next year and cheer us on.

To parents and families reading this who do not participate in GOYA and have children in grades 7 through 12, please consider it! There is something for everyone in GOYA and a great way to be part of a wonderful church ministry. If ever you have any questions, please get in touch with me, GIna, at goya@anngoc.org 

We pray that next year we have even more GOYAns participate and show their God-given talents! Καλή Ανάσταση και Καλό Πάσχα!


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Community News & Events

Philoptochos News

Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos Scholarship
 
The Ladies Philoptochos 'Nausica' announces that the Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos is embarking upon a new initiative. Each year they will be offering an opportunity to qualifying High School seniors, who are enrolled in an accredited University, College or Trade School, to apply for a Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos merit based scholarship. 
There are five (5) scholarships for 2022, each in the amount of $1,000.00 and they will be awarded to qualifying applicants. 
Funding for these scholarships was made possible with donations made in memory of beloved past Metropolis Philoptochos President Mrs. Anastasia Michals, and from an endowment gift from her family. Anne Michals was an educator by profession, a dedicated steward of Philoptochos and a faithful Orthodox Christian.
We encourage all our Annunciation high school seniors to learn more about this scholarship opportunity.
Link to learn more and to download the application from the Metropolis of New Jersey website:
Applications are due by June 15, 2022

Homeless Ministry News

Pascha is a time of new hope. Jesus laid down His life for the whole world! As we journey through Holy Week towards the feast of feasts giving thanks for His sacrificial love, let us continue to share His love in a kind and non-judgmental fashion with the homeless, hungry, and needy. As the saying goes, “You may be the only gospel they’ll ever see!”

We are putting together a team to serve at Aviator Park for Thursday of Bright week (April 28th). Although this is not one of our regularly assigned serving nights, there is always a need and several of our parishioners are ready, willing, and able to offer more help! Please sign up here if would like to join them.

Meanwhile, our annual SPRING Cleaning with a Purpose drive has begun! We are collecting clean, functional, gently used as well as new household items for distribution  to non-profits working to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Please consider  donating one new item along with any gently used items if you are able. Please place any of the following items in the Homeless Ministry trunk located on the balcony level by the Resource Center:

Spare pots & pans. China. Housewares.

Linens. Sheets. Comforters (especially twin size). 

Bric-brac. 

DVDs, CDs, Cassettes.

Please donate any of the following NEW and unused items:

Paper Products: Paper towels, napkins and toilet paper.

Trash Bags – 33 gallons or larger.

Cleaning Supplies: Toilet bowl cleaner, glass cleaner, Simple Green, Fabuloso .

Furniture polish. Disinfecting wipes.

 

Kindly hold onto clothing or other donations not included on this list until a future date. 

Sharing our deepest gratitude for your ongoing love and support and our prayers for a Blessed Holy Week and Joyous Resurrection!

In Christ's service,

The Homeless Ministry


Young at Heart Ministry

Twenty Young at Heart members kicked off this month by gathering together for Pre-sanctified Liturgy and fellowship on April 6th.  

Thank you to Dimitra Ganas, Barbara Louridas, Kiki Malitas, and Sophia Penning for their help.

We wish everyone Kali Anastasi!


Spring OPA Greek Festival

Friday and Saturday, May 20-21, 3-9  PM.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for details.


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Focus on Our Church Family

Pastoral care: If you or someone you know is sick, homebound elderly, or scheduled for surgery, please call the church office to let us know so Fr. John can make a pastoral visit or add someone to the prayer list.
 
Let us pray to the Lord for the health and salvation of: Suffering and persecuted Christians in the Middle East and the non-Christian world, Panagiotis, Peter, Zoë, Penelope, Panagiotis, Dimitrios, Alexandra, Peter, Dimitra, Virginia, Constantino.
We will keep the names on this list for approximately 3 months. Please resubmit Names if needed. Fr. John will include the submitted names at the Psokomide “Offering of Gifts” during the first part of the liturgy when he prepares the mystical gifts of bread & wine. Please lift these names to the Lord in your personal prayer life as well.
 
Prayer for healing: Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, who have sent our Lord to heal every sickness. Visit and heal us. Grant patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health. Lord, You have taught us to pray for each other that we may be healed. We pray that You heal, guide, and protect your servant (s) (pray by name for those who are sick) and grant them the gift of complete health. You are the source of healing, and to You, we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Happy wedding anniversary to those celebrating this coming week:  Anastas & Odeta Malita, James & Katrina Chiariello, Gregory & Barbara Louridas, Anthony & Sommer Prousi, George & Ada Voutsinos.

Χρόνια πολλά & ευλογημένα!  God grant you many years!  To those who are celebrating birthdays this coming week: Catherine Driscoll, Nina Elizabeth Kosoglou, Nicholas Mazer, Georgia Mitsas, Emma Ramey,  Maria Sheehan, John Armenakis, Salvatore Ganas, John Gilliland, Nicholas Papacostas, Evangelea Vlahos, Ana Xhixho, Archondia Arfanis, Curtis Cummings, Konstantinos Damian, George Labrinakos, Agnes Marques, Michael Teloniatis, Michael Weggel, Theodora Karagianni-Sarver, Chrysanthos Georgiou, Evangelia Koskinas, Angeliki Matzke, Stephen Mcgrath, Anastasia Metzger, Peter Moller, Panagiotis Pitsakis, Anthony Vafiadis, Jordan Zoubroulis, Vasiliki Hadgimallis, Alexandros Marques, Anna Mavrakis, Kevin Moore, Elizabeth Papacostas, Achileas Patounas, Kelly Toumbanakis.

Our deepest sympathy to Angie and David McCulloch for the passing of their fathers, Bob McCulloch, 86, on February 19, 2022, and Paul Makris, 85, on March 21, 2022. May their memory be eternal.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 117.26,1.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9.

BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Προκείμενον. Fourth Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 117.26,1.
Εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου.
Στίχ. Στίχ. Ἐξομολογεῖσθε τῷ Κυρίῳ ὅτι ἀγαθὸς, ὅτι εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Φιλιππησίους 4:4-9.

Ἀδελφοί, χαίρετε ἐν κυρίῳ πάντοτε· πάλιν ἐρῶ, χαίρετε. Τὸ ἐπιεικὲς ὑμῶν γνωσθήτω πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις. Ὁ κύριος ἐγγύς. Μηδὲν μεριμνᾶτε, ἀλλʼ ἐν παντὶ τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ δεήσει μετὰ εὐχαριστίας τὰ αἰτήματα ὑμῶν γνωριζέσθω πρὸς τὸν θεόν. Καὶ ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ θεοῦ ἡ ὑπερέχουσα πάντα νοῦν, φρουρήσει τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν καὶ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. Τὸ λοιπόν, ἀδελφοί, ὅσα ἐστὶν ἀληθῆ, ὅσα σεμνά, ὅσα δίκαια, ὅσα ἁγνά, ὅσα προσφιλῆ, ὅσα εὔφημα, εἴ τις ἀρετὴ καὶ εἴ τις ἔπαινος, ταῦτα λογίζεσθε. Ἃ καὶ ἐμάθετε καὶ παρελάβετε καὶ ἠκούσατε καὶ εἴδετε ἐν ἐμοί, ταῦτα πράσσετε· καὶ ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης ἔσται μεθʼ ὑμῶν.


Gospel Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from John 12:1-18

Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.

Palm Sunday
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 12:1-18

Πρὸ ἓξ ἡμερῶν τοῦ πάσχα ἦλθεν Ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἰς Βηθανίαν, ὅπου ἦν Λάζαρος ὁ τεθνηκώς, ὃν ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν. ἐποίησαν οὖν αὐτῷ δεῖπνον ἐκεῖ, καὶ ἡ Μάρθα διηκόνει· ὁ δὲ Λάζαρος εἷς ἦν τῶν ἀνακειμένων σὺν αὐτῷ. ἡ οὖν Μαρία, λαβοῦσα λίτραν μύρου νάρδου πιστικῆς πολυτίμου, ἤλειψε τοὺς πόδας τοῦ ᾿Ιησοῦ καὶ ἐξέμαξε ταῖς θριξὶν αὐτῆς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ· ἡ δὲ οἰκία ἐπληρώθη ἐκ τῆς ὀσμῆς τοῦ μύρου. λέγει οὖν εἷς ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ, ᾿Ιούδας Σίμωνος ᾿Ισκαριώτης, ὁ μέλλων αὐτὸν παραδιδόναι· διατί τοῦτο τὸ μύρον οὐκ ἐπράθη τριακοσίων δηναρίων καὶ ἐδόθη πτωχοῖς; εἶπε δὲ τοῦτο οὐχ ὅτι περὶ τῶν πτωχῶν ἔμελεν αὐτῷ, ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι κλέπτης ἦν, καὶ τὸ γλωσσόκομον εἶχε καὶ τὰ βαλλόμενα ἐβάσταζεν. εἶπεν οὖν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· ἄφες αὐτήν, εἰς τὴν ἡμέραν τοῦ ἐνταφιασμοῦ μου τετήρηκεν αὐτό. τοὺς πτωχοὺς γὰρ πάντοτε ἔχετε μεθ᾽ ἑαυτῶν, ἐμὲ δὲ οὐ πάντοτε ἔχετε.

῎Εγνω οὖν ὄχλος πολὺς ἐκ τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων ὅτι ἐκεῖ ἐστι, καὶ ἦλθον οὐ διὰ τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν μόνον, ἀλλ᾽ ἵνα καὶ τὸν Λάζαρον ἴδωσιν ὃν ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν. ἐβουλεύσαντο δὲ οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς ἵνα καὶ τὸν Λάζαρον ἀποκτείνωσιν, ὅτι πολλοὶ δι᾽ αὐτὸν ὑπῆγον τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων καὶ ἐπίστευον εἰς τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν.

Τῇ ἐπαύριον ὄχλος πολὺς ὁ ἐλθὼν εἰς τὴν ἑορτήν, ἀκούσαντες ὅτι ἔρχεται ᾿Ιησοῦς εἰς ῾Ιεροσόλυμα, ἔλαβον τὰ βαΐα τῶν φοινίκων καὶ ἐξῆλθον εἰς ὑπάντησιν αὐτῷ, καὶ ἔκραζον· ὡσαννά, εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου, ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῦ ᾿Ισραήλ. εὑρὼν δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ὀνάριον ἐκάθισεν ἐπ᾽ αὐτό, καθώς ἐστι γεγραμμένον· μὴ φοβοῦ, θύγατερ Σιών· ἰδοὺ ὁ βασιλεύς σου ἔρχεται καθήμενος ἐπὶ πῶλον ὄνου.

Ταῦτα δὲ οὐκ ἔγνωσαν οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ τὸ πρῶτον, ἀλλ᾽ ὅτε ἐδοξάσθη ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς, τότε ἐμνήσθησαν ὅτι ταῦτα ἦν ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ γεγραμμένα, καὶ ταῦτα ἐποίησαν αὐτῷ. ᾿Εμαρτύρει οὖν ὁ ὄχλος ὁ ὢν μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ ὅτε τὸν Λάζαρον ἐφώνησεν ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου καὶ ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν. διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ὑπήντησεν αὐτῷ ὁ ὄχλος, ὅτι ἤκουσαν τοῦτο αὐτὸν πεποιηκέναι τὸ σημεῖον.


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Archdiocese News

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Collaborates with the Department of Religious Education for Holy Week Sermon Series

04/15/2022

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, in collaboration with the Department of Religious Education (DRE) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, is pleased to announce the launch of the Holy Week Sermon Series.

SUNDAY SERMON SERIES - Palm Sunday, April 17

04/13/2022

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading where Apostle John talks about Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem after He resurrected Lazarus from the dead. Why did people receive Him like a King? And why would He enter the city sitting on just a donkey?

Arizona Teens Receive Carnegie Medal for Heroism

04/13/2022

It was nearly two years ago that the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco shared with pride the story of the heroism of two Arizona teens who saved two young women from drowning after they were swept into a Pacific Ocean cove by a five-foot wave.

A Very Short Course in Orthodox Theology Six Week Course - May 11 – June 15, 2022

04/13/2022

This free adult Christian Education course is offered by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Christian Education Ministry and Saint Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine, CA. Each class session topic is independent. Attend when you are able – a series commitment is not required. The fast moving format is a combination of lecture, visual presentation, discussion, and occasional video. No homework. Supplemental reading will be provided by PDF at no cost.

SPEAKER SERIES: Orthodox Scholars Preach - Palm Sunday, April 17

04/13/2022

Fr. Nicolas Kazarian: Ecumenical Officer and Director | Parish Priest
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Saints and Feasts

Makarius
April 17

Makarios, Bishop of Corinth


Palmsunday
April 17

Palm Sunday

On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.

The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ's victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means "Save, I pray," or "Save, now." The foal of an ass, and Jesus' sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel.


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